Transcript The Scientific Method

A Science Fair Project Guide
Correlated to the Elementary Science,
Mathematics, Engineering, and
Inventions Fair Handbook 2014-2015
Division of Mathematics, Science and Advanced Academics
Step 1: Choose a Topic.
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Do research to learn as much as you can
about the experiment topic.
Ask questions about your topic that you want
to answer.
More research may be needed after you
decide what to investigate in your experiment.
Try the library and the internet.
Type your Background Information and cite
your sources in the Bibliography. (see packet
for examples)
Internet Sources
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www.sciencebuddies.org
http://science.dadeschools.net
http://homeworkspot.com/sciencefair
www.scifair.org
http://sciencepage.org/scifair.htm
www.all-science-fairprojects.com/category0.html
Step 2 Ask a Question
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Identify one question
about your chosen topic,
that can be answered by
performing an experiment.
This question will be the
Problem Statement.
Must mention what is
being tested and how it
will be measured
Ex: Which paper towel,
Brawny, Bounty, or Sparkle will
absorb more liquid, when
measured in milliliters?
Step 3: Make a Hypothesis
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Look at the Problem Statement and
identify the one factor that can be
tested. This is the tested variable.
(also known as independent variable)
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Form an idea or educated
prediction that can be tested by an
experiment. (this is your hypothesis)
Write down your Hypothesis: “If (I do
this) then (this) will happen.”
Step 4: Plan the Investigation
Identify and record the factors that can affect
the results of the experiment under Variables.
1. Tested (independent) variable, or the factor that is changed
on purpose in the experiment to observe what will happen.
(See previous Step 3.)
2. Outcome (dependent) variable, or the data to be collected
during the experiment. This is the one that reacts, or
changes, in response to the test.
3. Controlled/constant variables, or all the factors
to be kept the same in the experiment.
Step 4 Planning Continued
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Write your procedures or the steps you will
follow in your experiment.
Each procedure step needs to be numbered.
Each step needs to begin with a verb.
These procedures will ensure that all variables
are kept the same (constant), except the one
you are testing (tested variable)
Figure out, and collect, the materials needed
for the experiment.
Step 5: Collect, Organize, and
Display Data
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Start the experiment.
Observe and record the quantitative data
(numbers or measurements) collected
during the experiment on a data table,
using metric units.
Repeat the experiment three, or more,
times to confirm results.
Take pictures during the experiment.
Graph your data from all trials.
Display under Data.
Restate your data in a narrative form under
Results.
Step 6: Drawing Conclusions*
What was investigated? (Describe the problem
statement.)
 Restate your hypothesis, and tell if
it was supported(true) or not supported (false).
 What were the major findings? (summarize
your results.)
 Look at everything that may have affected your
results. What possible explanation
can you offer for your findings?
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Step 7 Applications
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What recommendations do you have for further
study and for improving the experiment?
Explain what you learned from your experiment
that could be applied in real life.
List any new question(s) that your experiment
lead you to ask that could be tested in a new
investigation.
Step 8 Abstract
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A complete summary of the investigation. Must
consist of three to five paragraphs including the
following:
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Describe your purpose and hypothesis.
Briefly describe your procedure.
Describe and explain your results.
Explain your conclusion. State if your hypothesis was
supported or not by the results.
Explain your project’s applications.
Any Questions???
Science boards will be on sale in room
9319 (new building) starting next week
 Each board will cost $5.00
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THANK YOU FOR COMING!! 